More than 35 men graduate from “Mentors in Violence Prevention” Leadership Training in preventing domestic and sexual violence

During the past year, interest in primary prevention of domestic and sexual violence has grown exponentially in this region. The sentiment expressed by many who requested more opportunities to get involved seems to be if we can do something to prevent abuse, then we should.

In early June, 37 men from across southwestern PA, representing women’s shelters, rape crisis programs, school districts, universities, faith communities, corporations, mental health facilities, and youth services came together for an intensive two-day training on effective prevention and bystander intervention. In addition to incorporating these new tools into their current work, many graduates are committed to participating in the larger community to promote prevention. The Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh–with funding and support from FISA Foundation and the Heinz Endowments–arranged for national trainers from Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) to work with a cohort of our local leaders.

The highly regarded MVP program–developed by Jackson Katz, an internationally recognized author, filmmaker, and educator–provides concrete tools and techniques to help train youth and community members to be more effective in intervening to prevent violence. But the work of this leadership cohort continues. The JCC will engage with theses graduates for another six months, supporting them as they plan specific activities within their communities and introducing an innovative small grants program to support their efforts. We know that the ripple effects from this training will touch many aspects of the community.